Chile's regional oncology initiatives reduce wait times, achieve 90% of plan goals

In the Chiloé province, the newly created Oncology Referral Service (SRO) at Hospital San Carlos de Ancud has cut specialist‑consultation wait times and brought chemotherapy closer to patients. The program, funded by the regional government, was presented by nurse Francisca Leal Manosalva and health officials, who highlighted that “when we bring health services to people, we improve their quality of life,” said Service of Health Chiloé director Francisco Camilo.

Across the country, the Antofagasta region’s 90‑day Oncology Alert Plan has reached 90 % of its targets, resolving the majority of the 1,306 cases recorded at the start of 2026. Nurse Angéfica Salazar reported that a weekend operation on 21 May treated 17 head‑and‑neck patients, with specialists from Santiago collaborating with local hospitals. The plan’s success was attributed to coordinated nursing, administrative and IT teams and strong involvement from primary‑care and community hospitals.